Open plan hub confirmed for EA Networks Centre Sports House

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​Thursday 13 August 2015

Shared open space for the use of local sporting groups has been retained as a core part of the EA Networks Centre Sports House.

The Ashburton District Council today confirmed its commitment to the open space hub, which was an integral part of the final plan for Sports House. In 2012, during the plan's consultation phase, user groups gave it their support.

Ashburton Mayor Angus McKay said, "It was also agreed during the design of the sports hub that it would be self-funded through rentals." In July, Council agreed to continue to offer a discounted rental rate of $140 per square metre per annum to local sports groups.

Within the open space, 10 desks will be available for lease at an annual charge of $1540 plus GST each (approx. $30 plus GST per week). The minimum desk hire period will be three months. The rental cost covers office furniture; lighting; heating; electricity; use of toilets and staffroom facilities; cleaning; WiFi; and security.

Mr McKay said that regular reviews of the House would be undertaken to ensure it continued to meet the needs of tenants and the Council. Tenants will be offered fixed term leases for up to three years, with a right of renewal.

Booking of an adjacent meeting room will be managed through the EA Networks Centre reception or through online booking. This room will be available at a discounted rate for 'not-for-profit' community groups. Sports House tenants will be able to use the meeting room free of charge as a breakout area, when there are no confirmed bookings. They will also receive a discounted rate if they want to book a meeting in advance.